QUEENPIN by Megan Abott

Queenpin is a novella-length masterpiece by the queenpin of noir, Megan Abbott. No one writes like Abbott, who has an ear for dialogue and eye for detail that make her books as visual and compelling as the finest noir films.

Queenpin is the story of a nice young girl with a taste for sin who becomes understudy to Gloria Denton, a classic moll who keeps company with the movers and shakers of the mob world. The relationship between the two women is so finely drawn that you can feel the growing tension in your gut as you turn the pages.

Queenpin is so well written that you'll find yourself slowing down just to savor the words. Once you've finished, check out The Song Is You, which is pure genius. Abbott was shortlisted for the Edgar Award last year for her debut Die A Little, and I believe she deserves to bring it home this year.